Black Moor Goldfish Care Guide
The Black Moor goldfish (Carassius auratus) is a popular fancy goldfish in the UK, known for its deep black colour and distinctive telescope eyes. With its slow, graceful swimming style, it's a favourite for aquariums designed for fancy goldfish.
In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about Black Moor goldfish care, including tank size, water conditions, compatibility, feeding, and typical UK prices - plus how to buy or sell them locally.
Quick facts about Black Moor Goldfish
Black Moor goldfish are a variety of fancy goldfish bred for their unique appearance, including protruding eyes and rounded body shape.
They are slower swimmers than common goldfish and require appropriate tankmates and conditions.
Carassius auratus
15-20 cm
Domesticated (derived from East Asian carp)
100L+ (single fish)
10-15+ years
Peaceful, slow-moving
18-24°C
Omnivore (pellets, vegetables, frozen foods)
6.5-8.0
£5-£15 per fish
How Many Black Moor Goldfish Should You Keep?
Black Moor goldfish are social and should be kept with other suitable fancy goldfish.
- Keep at least 2 where possible
- Only house with similar slow-swimming varieties
- Ensure enough space for each fish
Keeping too many in a small tank can lead to:
- Poor water quality
- Stress and competition
- Stunted growth
Proper stocking is essential due to their waste production.
Ideal Tank Conditions for Black Moor Goldfish
Creating the right environment is key to keeping Black Moor goldfish healthy.
- Tank Setup: Spacious tank with open swimming areas
- Substrate: Sand or smooth gravel to prevent injury
- Plants & Decor: Use smooth decor and hardy plants to avoid eye damage
- Water Conditions: Stable, well-oxygenated water
- Filtration: Strong filtration is essential due to high waste output
- Lighting: Moderate lighting is suitable
Avoid sharp decorations, as their eyes are delicate.
Compatibility with Other Fish
Black Moor goldfish should only be kept with compatible species.
- Good Tankmates: other fancy goldfish (e.g. fantail, oranda, ryukin)
- Avoid: common goldfish (too fast), tropical fish, and fin-nippers
Their poor eyesight and slow movement make them vulnerable to competition and bullying.
Are Black Moor Goldfish Easy to Care For?
Black Moor goldfish are moderately easy to care for but require specific considerations.
They require:
- A spacious, well-filtered tank
- Careful tankmate selection
- Protection from sharp objects
- Regular maintenance
They are hardy, but their body shape and eyes make them more delicate than common goldfish.
Black Moor Goldfish Price in the UK
In the UK, Black Moor goldfish typically cost between £5-£15 per fish.
Prices vary depending on:
- Size and quality
- Depth of colour
- Shop vs hobbyist sellers
They are widely available and affordable.
Where to Buy Black Moor Goldfish in the UK
Black Moor goldfish are widely available in UK aquarium shops and from private sellers.
Sourcing fish locally can:
- Reduce transport stress
- Improve survival rates
- Offer better value
TankMate UK helps connect fishkeepers who want to buy, sell, or rehome fish safely - without shipping.
Can You Sell Black Moor Goldfish?
Yes - Black Moor goldfish are often sold or rehomed by hobbyists.
Selling locally is often the best option, as it:
- Minimises stress for the fish
- Avoids the risks of transport
- Helps find suitable homes
TankMate UK allows you to list fish quickly and find local buyers.
Feeding Black Moor Goldfish
Black Moor goldfish require a balanced and appropriate diet.
Key Tips:
- Feed high-quality sinking pellets (better for buoyancy issues)
- Supplement with vegetables like peas and spinach
- Offer occasional frozen or live foods
- Avoid overfeeding
Sinking foods help reduce the risk of swim bladder problems.
Common Problems with Black Moor Goldfish
Eye injuries, often caused by:
- Sharp decorations
- Rough handling
Swim bladder issues, linked to:
- Poor diet
- Overfeeding
Poor water quality, due to:
- Overcrowding
- Inadequate filtration
Why Black Moor Goldfish Are So Popular
- Unique black colouration
- Distinctive telescope eyes
- Calm and gentle behaviour
- Suitable for fancy goldfish aquariums
- Widely available and affordable
When kept correctly, Black Moor goldfish add a unique and elegant presence to an aquarium.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, common goldfish are too fast and will outcompete them.
They have poor eyesight due to their eye shape but are not completely blind.
Not usually-they are coldwater fish but prefer stable temperatures.
At least 100 litres for one fish, with more space for additional fish.
Looking to Buy or Sell Black Moor Goldfish Locally?
TankMate UK connects fishkeepers who want to buy, sell, or rehome fish safely within their local area.
Whether you're stocking your aquarium or passing fish on to a new home, you can:
- Browse fish available near you
- List your own fish in minutes
- Avoid the risks of transport